Relationship Reflection

Relationships are a large part of what defines who I am.  I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a co-worker and a neighbor.  Those relationships are how I define who I am.  Without those different relationships, I have a hard time talking about myself and the purpose I have in this world.  Those relationships are also important to me because I depend on them when there is a kink in one of the other relationships.  If I have a problem with a co-worker, I depend on the openness of the relationship with my husband to talk about and get advice on the relationship with my co-worker. 
The most important and positive relationship I have in my life right now is with my husband.  This summer we will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and I can honestly say that he is my soul mate and my best friend.  Whenever I have any problem with anyone, I know that I can talk to him and not feel like I am being judged.  He knows me well enough to know when I need him just to listen and when I need him to give me advice.  The best part of our relationship is that I know the same things about him. 
Another solid relationship I have in my life right now is with my friend.  We both have three young children, work and are married so life gets in the way and we aren't able to see each other often or even talk very often.  However, because we have so much in common and built a solid relationship early on...when we see each other it is as if we talk every day.  We pick up right where we left off. 
The positives of both of these relationships is that they are built on solid foundations.  The negatives of some of the other relationships that I have in my life is that I struggle to maintain a positive relationship becuase they were not built on a solid foundation.  It is important with all relationships to start with a solid foundation and take the time to nurture the relationship so it can grow solid roots so it will be stronger when stormy things hit it. 
From these relationships, I can draw out the fact that good relationships need to be built on solid foundations and they need to be nurtured to be strong.  Working in Early Childhood, I think the same principles apply.  We have talked this week in class about starting good relationships with parents.  I think that it is important to start early in the process by getting to know as much as you can about the families in order to build the foundation.  Once that good foundation is built, if there is a problem later on with the child, it is easier to discuss with the family.